Nabeel Rajab sentenced to two years in jail

A Bahraini court has sentenced prominent human rights activist Nabeel Rajab to two years in jail after finding him guilty of spreading “fake news”, a judicial source said.

The source, quoted by the official BNA news agency, said on Monday that Rajab was convicted “of disseminating false news, statements and rumours about the internal situation of the kingdom that would undermine its prestige and status”.

The verdict, which the source said can be appealed, was immediately condemned by Bahraini and international human rights watchdogs.

“This outrageous sentence against someone speaking the truth exhibits the brutality of the Bahraini government and its heinous crimes and that of its kangaroo court,” he said.

Rajab, pictured with his family, was pardoned for health reasons in 2015 before being rearrested in June 2016 [Reuters]

‘Chokehold on freedom of expression’

Amnesty International also denounced the decision, saying it exposes a “relentless campaign” by authorities in Bahrain “to wipe out dissent”.

“Imprisoning Nabeel Rajab simply for sharing his opinion is a flagrant violation of human rights, and an alarming sign that the Bahraini authorities will go to any length to silence criticism,” said Amnesty’s Secretary-General Salil Shetty.

“Bahrain’s government and judiciary have once again tightened their chokehold on freedom of expression and branded him a criminal,” Shetty was quoted as saying in a statement.

Bahrain: Shouting in the dark

The US state department has expressed concern over Rajab’s arrest and curbs on freedom of expression in Bahrain.

Bahrain, however, is also a close US ally and hosts the Navy’s 5th Fleet. President Donald Trump has touted Washington’s “wonderful relationship” with Bahrain.

Rajab had been arrested multiple times in recent years over protests that the government said were unauthorised.

The activist was pardoned for health reasons in 2015 before being rearrested in June 2016.

He also faces trial for a series of tweets criticising a Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen, with a hearing due on August 7, according to the Bahrain Institute.

It said he faces up to 15 years if convicted in that trial.

Bahrain has been the scene of frequent protests and clashes with police since security forces quelled nationwide protests that called for political reforms in 2011.

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